by KARE-TV, Minneapolis-St. Paul

by KARE-TV, Minneapolis-St. Paul

WEST ST. PAUL, Minn. - A man wanted in the slaying of a Mendota Heights police officer is in custody after being shot by police. The officer was shot and killed during a traffic stop Wednesday afternoon in West St. Paul, police said.

St. Paul police spokesman Sgt. Paul Paulos says 39-year-old suspect Brian Fitch Sr. got out of a minivan firing at officers Wednesday evening. Police returned fire, striking Fitch and an unidentified woman who was with him.

Patrick is the first Mendota Heights police officer to be slain in the line of duty. He leaves behind a wife and two teenage children. Mendota Heights Police Chief Mike Aschenbrenner said Patrick had been on the force since 1995.

"He was a very dedicated police officer and a family man who absolutely adored his children," Aschenbrener said.